The Golden Horde

The marauding Mongol hordes set their sights on the ancient city of Samarkand. The son of Genghis Khan (Harry Brandon) and Howard Petrie as "Tugluk" are despatched in the advance guard to wrest the city from the beautiful Princess - Ann Blyth. They don't reckon on a troop of passing Crusaders led by the gallant "Sir Guy of Devon" (David Farrar) and so a bit of a tussle ensues. It's a melodrama with sand and costumes; Blyth looks great - though she, and Farrar are as wooden as usual. The best character is that of the "Shaman" - an over-the-top George Macready - causing mischief as he whispers poison into the ears of the Khan. It's hampered by the sound stage setting - some of the fight scenes are a little too rigid, and the dialogue is pretty stilted, but it is still a decent enough watch.